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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something to address them.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not relent just because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it plays, therefore this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.